Big families, big bills: Can you save money big time?

Big families can have big expenses. With lots of mouths to feed and bodies to clothe, bills can pile up and escalate easily. But they don't have to. By using the talents, brains, labor and enthusiasm of a large family, big savings are possible without major changes. Take our quiz to see how a large brood can live on a budget.

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Question 1 of 20

The only way to get DVDs for your family to watch is to buy or rent them.

Fact

Fiction

Most public libraries allow you to check out DVDs for free. All you need is a library card.

Question 2 of 20

The struggling economy has changed the definition of large families.

Fact

According to some financial experts, it's more and more common to see multiple generations of a family -- and sometimes friends -- living under one roof as a way to save money.

Fiction

Question 3 of 20

By definition, a date night for married couples is a fancy dinner and a trip to the theater.

Fact

Fiction

Um, no. More and more parents are looking for inexpensive ways to treat themselves, like staying home to watch a movie (from the library, of course) and going out for dessert and a cup of coffee instead of a pricey dinner.

Question 4 of 20

Threats and doom and gloom scenarios work best in getting the entire family to save money.

Fact

Fiction

According to some budgeting experts, trying to turn saving into a fun game unleashes creativity and enthusiasm -- and works much better than scare tactics.

Although few shoppers know you can do this, it is a way for big families to save big. One caveat is that some stores have begun restricting the use of multiple coupons for any one specific item.

Fiction

Question 6 of 20

The possible savings when you buy certain items in bulk is minimal.

Fact

Fiction

In fact, large families can save a lot of money by either buying items they use a lot in large quantities at the supermarket or going to stores that specialize in selling items in bulk quantities, such as Sam's Club or Costco.

Question 7 of 20

Shopping without a list gives you the flexibility you need to make the most economical choices.

Fact

Fiction

Most budgeting pros agree that shopping without a list translates into higher bills, as you're more likely to make unnecessary impulse purchases.

Question 8 of 20

Growing your own garden is more expensive than purchasing produce from the supermarket.

Fact

Fiction

Even with purchasing seeds and gardening tools, growing your own food can yield huge savings compared to grocery shopping.

Question 9 of 20

Cultivating a home garden promotes healthy family eating habits.

Fact

If incorporated into a family's diet, the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables found in home gardens saves money and boosts good health.

Fiction

Question 10 of 20

It's possible that eating more produce from a home garden can save on health care bills.

Fact

Since diet is such an important part of overall health, it is possible that eating more fresh items from a home garden will improve your health -- and possibly lower your health costs -- especially when compared to a diet filled with processed foods.

Fiction

Question 11 of 20

The Freecycle Network is not actually free.

Fact

Fiction

The name is not deceptive. Freecycle is an avenue for people around the country to donate and pick up all sorts of items for free.

Question 12 of 20

Garage sales and Craigslist are ways to get your family low-priced or free clothes.

Fact

So too are hand-me downs, thrift stores and consignment stores.

Fiction

Question 13 of 20

It's impossible to negotiate for a lower cable or Internet bill.

Fact

Fiction

Especially in this bad economy, the desire of even big companies to keep customers is strong enough for them to be willing to negotiate.

Question 14 of 20

Keeping a money diary requires chronicling every penny you spend.

Fact

The idea behind tracking your spending is to understand exactly where your money goes each month so that you can decide whether or not your spending matches your priorities.

Fiction

Question 15 of 20

It's easier to establish a budget after keeping a money diary.

Fact

Keeping a money diary may actually be the only way to properly establish a budget, since knowing what your expenses are is a vital part of financial planning and saving.

Fiction

Question 16 of 20

Generic items are often of equal quality as brand names.

Fact

Many times the only difference is they cost less, thanks largely to the fact that they don't require a lot of advertising dollars to build brand awareness.

Fiction

Question 17 of 20

A messy household never has any impact on a family's finances.

Fact

Fiction

When disorganization means bills get paid late, or that unused items that could be sold do nothing but contribute to clutter, well, then it can cost serious money.

Question 18 of 20

Fixing cars and appliances and other household items yourself can save a lot of money.

Fact

Electricians, plumbers and mechanics can be very expensive. Taking the time to learn how to do even basic things can bring big savings.

Fiction

Question 19 of 20

It's possible to motivate family members to save by using rewards.

Fact

According to some personal finance experts, having specific savings goals and definite rewards for achieving them can really help in the motivation department.

Fiction

Question 20 of 20

Making changes that can result in big savings doesn't have to take a lot of time.

Fact

Especially in a big household, where there are a lot of brains, skills and hands, saving a lot of cash can be a matter of small investments of time and effort by a bunch of people.